On September 3, 1794, Greeneville College was chartered by the State of Tennessee, the first institution of higher education chartered by the state. Following the Civil War, Tusculum College and Greeneville merged and that institution, now known as just Tusculum College, has begun its 220th academic year.

The opening of the 2013-14 academic year was marked with the Opening Convocation on Thursday, Aug. 29. The formal ceremony includes a procession of graduating seniors and the faculty marching behind a bagpiper from the front entrance of McCormick Hall to the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Building Auditorium. The ceremony featured comments from Heather Patterson, assistant professor of English, and Dr. DiAnn Casteel, professor of education. The two professors were recipients, along with Dr. Betsy Loveday, of the 2013 Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Awards.

Patterson encouraged students to look beyond themselves and get to know the students around them because they may be in a position to help their classmates or their classmates may be able to assist them. Dr. Casteel spoke of her appreciation to be able to work with Tusculum students, faculty and staff daily.

Steven Hollingshead, president of the Student Government Association, also spoke and encouraged his fellow students to get involved on campus.

Heather Patterson, assistant professor of English (at the lecturn), was one of the featured speakers at the Opening Convocation. Also speaking were SGA President Steven Hollingshead, left, and Dr. DiAnn Casteel, professor of education, center.